Getting a jumpstart on picking the best winter boots is crucial. Before you know it, it’s going to be gross and slushy out, or there’s going to be a mountain of snow at your door. The last thing you want is foot-pain woes from your winter boots while you’re dealing with freezing-cold temperatures, slippery sidewalks, and icy rain. Who has time for that kind of misery?

Deciding which winter boot is best for you depends on how much of the great outdoors you’ll be up against. If you’re planning on hiking through cold and ice, for instance, you’ll want an insulated variation on a standard hiking shoe, complete with durable, tractioned soles. If you’re looking for a winter boot you can run errands in, you won’t need the heavy-duty traction, but you’ll want your shoes to be warm, comfortable, and probably stylish, too. And keeping your feet protected in late-winter slush calls for a boot with waterproofing, insulation, and a tall shaft height to keep your legs dry in deep puddles.

This may seem like a lot to consider for a pair of shoes—but we’re here to help. We’ve done the homework on temperature rating, insulation type, and sole thickness to pick out the best winter boots for women to suit all manner of winter activities.

And once you’ve picked yours from the list, for your comfiest wear, break your boots in around the house before taking them to the streets (or to the mountains). In particular, the boots we’ve chosen for icy conditions, hiking, freezing temperatures, and everyday errands should be broken in to minimize the risk of blisters and aches. But once these boots are molded to your feet, you won’t want to take them off—except, maybe, to put on your snuggliest socks.

Best for Icy Conditions: Vasque Pow Pow III

rei.com

Sure, these aren’t the most stylish boots of the bunch. But when you’re contending with icy driveways and sidewalks, you’ll want to prioritize function over fashion—and Vasque’s Pow Pow III boots have all your slick terrain concerns covered. A combination of waterproof suede, nylon mesh, and inner insulation keeps your feet, toes, and calves warm and dry. The rubber compound soles are outfitted with tough but lightweight lugs, so you’ll get reliable traction without extra weight. (Make sure to keep warm inside, too, with these organic flannel sheets.)

Best for Winter Hiking: Danner Mountain 600 Boots

rei.com

Cheryl Strayed wore these boots to hike all 2,659 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Need I say more? They’re perfect for cold-weather hikes, too: Danner devotees swear their feet stayed warm and dry, even when submerged (albeit accidentally) in icy water. Waterproof, lightweight, insulated, and outfitted with compound rubber lugs, these boots are made for walking (and walking, and walking, and walking…)

Best for Freezing Temperatures: Sorel Joan of Arctic

Zappos

Besides having the best name ever, if you’re looking for boots that’ll keep you toasty in sub-zero temperatures—and that are fashionable enough to wear around town—look no further than Sorel’s classic Joan of Arctic. The waterproof leather and suede upper, felt inner boot, and handcrafted rubber shell are constructed to protect your feet in temperatures as low as -25°F. Don’t be deterred by the higher price tag: These high-quality boots will see you several years’ worth of freezing winters.

While you're hiking or walking around town, you can sip on this easy DIY hydrating drink:

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Best Evening Style: Aerosoles Binocular Cold-Weather Boots

Macys.com

Nothing ruins the look you’re going for with that dress like a pair of utilitarian snow boots. With Aerosoles Binocular boots, you can be warm and elegant on date night. These sleek suede boots are designed especially for cold weather, and their memory foam footbed ensures a comfortable, cozy wear. The wedge heel provides a subtle lift, but it’s not so high that you can’t navigate a slippery sidewalk, too. (Even though colder weather is setting in, you can stay motivated to workout with these helpful tips.)

Best for Heavy Snow: Kamik Momentum

Zappos

Kamik Momentum boots fit snugly around your feet and calves, so you won't find any rogue snow funneling into the top. The elastic laces don’t require tying, which means they’re easy to slip on and off, even with gloves or frozen fingers. A waterproof nylon exterior, faux-fur collar, and a grippable rubber sole protect your feet from cold, wet conditions, and the moisture-wicking insulation keeps sweat to a minimum. The price is right, too.

Best Weekend Style: Trotters Blizzard III

Nordstrom.com

Forget the freezing temperatures, dirty snow, and icy puddles: sometimes, the worst thing about winter is not being able to wear your favorite shoes (‘til spring, espadrilles!). But these Trotters boots will give your winter wardrobe a stylish boost. The classic motorcycle style elevates your jeans-and-a-sweater weekend uniform, and the quilted shaft is both edgy and cozy. No need to sacrifice warmth (or safety) for fashion here: The lug soles ensure a solid grip on wet walkways, and the waterproof boot will keep you dry. (Pair this boot with one of these cute white shirts that every woman should own.)

Best for Wet Weather: Bogs Classic High Handles Insulated Rain Boots

rei.com

Slushy sidewalks are an irritation and a hazard that require their own variety of footwear. Enter: the insulated rain boot. These Bogs rain boots are warmer and sturdier than your standard galoshes because they’re kitted out with a water-resistant neoprene shaft, sweat-wicking nylon jersey lining, and a durable rubber shoe.

Best for Everyday Errands: Women’s L.L. Bean Boots, 8" Thinsulate

llbean.com

L.L. Bean’s duck boots are an American classic. But unlike the standard, unlined model, the Thinsulate™ insulation in these winter-ready boots are constructed to withstand colder temps. Their timeless, go-with-anything style—and a super-comfy footbed—makes them perfect for running around town, and a trusty rubber-chain sole gives you a good grip on sidewalks, slippery store floors, and your gas pedal, too. (When running to the grocery store, make sure you aren't making these shopping mistakes that could be slowing your weight loss efforts.)

Best Wild Card: Dr. Martens Leonore Leather Chelsea Booties

bloomingdales.com

These are not the Doc Martens you wore in college. The Leonore Chelsea booties are sleeker and more versatile than the combat-boot style, but they still have that trusty, durable rubber sole that’ll keep you grounded and safe on slushy surfaces. The coolest feature? That acrylic faux-fur lining: It looks luxe, and it keeps you warm.

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